Godfather’s Pizza: A Legacy of Hearty Flavor and Franchise Opportunity

Founded in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1973 by Willy Theisen, Godfather’s Pizza began as a bold concept that combined rich, thick-crust pizza with a generous helping of toppings. Theisen’s vision quickly resonated with customers, leading to the launch of the first franchise just a year later in Lincoln, Nebraska.

By the early 1980s, the chain had expanded to over 900 locations, becoming one of the fastest-growing pizza franchises in the United States. Today, Godfather’s Pizza is headquartered at 2808 North 108th Street in Omaha, Nebraska, and operates approximately 445 locations nationwide.

Godfather’s Pizza is renowned for its commitment to quality, offering a menu that features pizzas with thick, buttery crusts and abundant toppings, as well as sandwiches, salads, and other Italian-American favorites.

This dedication to hearty, flavorful offerings sets it apart from competitors, providing customers with a satisfying dining experience that emphasizes both taste and value.

Training

Godfather’s Pizza offers a comprehensive training program designed to prepare franchisees and their staff for operating their restaurant locations effectively. The training is required before opening and continues throughout the franchise relationship. Here are the main training components:

1. Initial Training Program
   Franchisees, managers, and multi-unit supervisors must complete an in-person training program at a site specified by the company. The program must be completed prior to opening, and fees include $750 per trainee for traditional locations and $500 for non-traditional ones.
2. Online Training – The Informant
   All new hires are required to complete their assigned online training path within 30 days of hiring. This ensures consistent onboarding and standard adherence across all locations.
3. Refresher and Specialized Training
   The franchisor may require periodic refresher courses for franchisees and managers. These may cover updated operational procedures, fee reporting systems, or marketing programs, and are sometimes delivered via teleconferences or remote formats.
4. Manager and Supervisor Certification
   Any new manager or multi-unit supervisor must successfully complete the company’s training program. Additional training can be assigned as needed, and certifications are awarded upon completion.
5. Ongoing Operational Guidance
   Beyond formal training, Godfather’s Pizza provides continuous guidance on topics like operations, decor, food preparation, advertising, purchasing, and management practices through various formats including manuals, bulletins, electronic communication, and on-site consultations.

Territory Protection

Godfather’s Pizza generally does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. Franchisees are allowed to operate only at a specific approved location and may face direct competition from other Godfather’s Pizza outlets owned or franchised by the company in the same area. The company explicitly states that no exclusive territory is granted for traditional or non-traditional locations under normal circumstances.

However, there are rare exceptions. In specific cases—typically involving high-visibility sites or strategic areas—Godfather’s Pizza may grant an exclusive territory if a prospective franchisee demands it as a condition for opening a location. In such cases, the territory’s size and boundaries are defined at the company’s discretion and documented in the Franchise Agreement.